Vice-President Stephens.
--It will be seen by the following correspondence that Vice-President Stephens was tendered the compliment of a supper by the members of the State Convention; but, owing to the pressing importance of his duties while here and his limited stay in our city, he was compelled to decline the honor: Richmond, Va. April 25, 1861.
To the Hon. A. H. Stephens, Commissioner of the Confederate States of America:
Sir: The members of the Virginia State Convention, as a compliment to your official mission, and to your high individual character, tender to you a supper at such time as may suit your convenience. Jeremiah Morton, John R. Chambliss, William M. Tredway, J. G. Holladay, Thomas S. Flournoy, Charles K. Mallory. C. R. Slaughter. Most respectfully,
Richmond, Va. 25th April, 1861.
Gentlemen: Your very kind note, tendering me the compliment of a supper, has just been handed to me. This manifestation of regard for me personally and officially, be assured is very highly appreciated, and under ordinary circumstances it would afford me great pleasure to meet you and the members generally of your Convention around the festive board.
But in the present state of public affairs, with the press of demands on my time and attention, you will please excuse me for foregoing that pleasure.
Doubting not that you will fully appreciate my feelings and motives in declining the high honor and generous hospitality so tendered, you will be pleased to accept the assurance of kindest regards for you personally, and my best wishes for our common country. 
